Near East Side

East Jefferson Boulevard's broad lawns, historic and eclectic housing, and easy access to downtown and Notre Dame make it attractive for newcomers wanting a deep-rooted urban lifestyle.

The broad boulevard, stretching east form downtown South Bend, developed leisurely as a succession of prominent business, civic, religious or academic leaders built their homes there. The Studebaker family had estates on the boulevard towards the end of the 19th century.

These days, the grand stretch of Jefferson (east of Eddy Street to Ironwood Drive) remains a sought-after place to live. "If you love older homes and want an elegant setting, this is the street for you," said one resident. "People are constantly leaving notes asking if we want to sell."

"Probably over the last couple of years, we've had four or five short notes in our mailbox," said a man who moved in 1988 from Granger with his wife and their young children.

Housing styles in the area include Renaissance Revival, Free Classic, Queen Anne, Prairie, Colonial Revival, French Eclectic, Tudor Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Neoclassical, International and Ranch.

They sit under thick trees, often behind vast front lawns that stretch to the street.

Landmarks line the boulevard. First Christian Church, which includes Good Shepherd Montessori School, anchors the Eddy end; Trinity School at Greenlawn, a former Studebaker home; and Starz Academy, once St. Michael's Episcopal Church, at Ironwood share the boulevard. St. Anthony's Catholic Church and School is just across Ironwood.

Other landmarks include the offices and the priest's home for St. Anthony's and the Provincial House for the Holy Cross order.

Homes lining the wide street form a neighborhood that contrasts from modern subdivisions with cul-de-sacs or older sections with blocks of narrow streets. Residents on the boulevard enjoy the large lawns, wide street and the prestige of living on East Jefferson Boulevard.

"There's a lot of activity," said one mother who lives in the neighborhood. "People are walking by. People are walking their dogs."

"You know the people on each side of you.  

Kids walk to school at Trinity and play in the grassy space they've dubbed Triangle Park on Wayne Street just south of their homes, sometimes setting up a lemonade stand or celebrating a First Communion party.
 
In addition to historic houses, expansive yards and a flourishing community, the near-eastside neighborhood boasts a location that is minutes from downtown and a short drive from business and retail areas.

"I love the location because it's so close to everything. Everything is very central."

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Department of Community & Economic Development
Division of Community Development
227 W. Jefferson Boulevard • Suite 1200 S
South Bend, IN  46601
574.235.9660 • Fax: 574.235.9469